Lofthouse cookies are a beloved treat known for their soft, chewy texture and vibrant, colorful frosting. These iconic cookies have become a staple in many American households, often associated with special occasions and celebrations. The combination of a delicate, cake-like cookie base and a rich, buttery frosting creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The cookies’ cultural significance lies in their nostalgic appeal, evoking memories of childhood birthday parties and family gatherings. With their characteristic pink frosting and sprinkles, Lofthouse cookies add a touch of whimsy and joy to any event.
Ingredients
–
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg white
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups (375 g) cake flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon table salt
- Frosting:
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon table salt
- Food coloring (optional, e.g., Americolor “soft pink” or “electric pink”)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer or a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg, egg white, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for about 10 minutes to help the flour absorb the wet ingredients.
- Portion and Bake: Measure out 3 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Flatten each ball to about 1-inch thickness. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost them generously with the prepared frosting. Add sprinkles immediately so they stick to the frosting.
Top Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to prevent tough cookies.
- Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps the flour absorb moisture, making it easier to handle.
- Bake Until Lightly Golden: Avoid overbaking; the cookies should be lightly golden around the edges.
- Add Sprinkles Immediately: Sprinkles stick best to freshly frosted cookies.
- Experiment with Colors: Try different frosting colors and sprinkle combinations for unique looks.
Variations
- Lemon Zest Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips into the dough for an added flavor dimension.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar before baking for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Fruit-Infused Frosting: Use fruit extracts like strawberry or raspberry in the frosting for a fruity twist.
Nutritional Guide
| Servings | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 220 | 12g | 28g | 2g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: Lofthouse cookies are a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content. However, they can be part of a balanced diet when consumed occasionally. Consider using healthier alternatives like coconut sugar or reducing the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to make them slightly healthier.
